Newsletter from the Tennessee Government Leadership Council Inside this issue: July 2017 Volume 5, Issue 2 Spotlight on Leadership Page 1 From the Desk of the CLO Page 3 Accelerated Leadership Ins tute Page 4 Ge ng to Know your TGL Council Alicia Cone Page 5 Barry Brawley Page 7 Julian Davis Page 8 Learning Opportuni es For TGL Alumni Page 9 SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERSHIP: TGL Remote Book Club Page 10 COMMISSIONER JAI TEMPLETON CLO’s Top Reading List for the Summer Page 10 AGRICULTURE Book Review: Drive Page 11 TGL Lunch and Learn Page 12 Engagement Commi ee What is one characteristic that you What strategies are needed to meet Report Page 15 believe every leader should possess that challenge? and why? Leaders are not respected because TGL Conference I think that a leader should be able to they hold a position. They have to Save the Date Page 16 listen. You need discernment to work to gain others’ trust in their Systems Thinking ensure that you follow the correct ability as well as their character. Commi ee Report Page 17 advice but multiple viewpoints are helpful. Be prepared to act decisively. What are the advantages of having the Forward Focus right people in leadership roles within Commi ee Report Page 17 What is one mistake you witness leaders an organization? making more frequently than others? It goes back to trust and competency. TGL Toastmasters Page 18 Too often I think we tend to listen to If you have the right people in the Leadership Kudos Page 18 those who align more with our right position, they will work to carry ideology or with those we consider to out your priorities. You can rely on Leadership Calendar Page 20 be subject matter experts. Often, others for day-to-day operations they have missed some important which allow you the opportunity to perspectives. further develop the agency mission. What advice can you give to help If you are interviewing for a key leaders avoid making that mistake? leadership role within your organization, Find people you trust. There are a lot what top three competencies do you of people that I know who do not look for and why? share my philosophies, but I still trust It is important to me to have people them. Their perspective adds tremendous that know their subject, know people value to find balance. and understand who we serve. It is all Council Committees about properly serving the customer. What do you think is the biggest challenge In order to do that, you must know Vision facing leaders today and why? your job, be able to deal with people, Communication People resent authority. Society and know who the customer is. Engagement encourages people to challenge and expect certain things whether they are Systems-Thinking earned or not. Forward Focus Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 2
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader? I observe others in leadership roles and try to emulate the ones that are considered successful. I also take advantage of any development opportunities that are presented to me. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? Do not be afraid to ask for advice and do not be afraid to make a decision based on that advice. As a leader, generating trust is essential, especially during times of change. What are some leadership factors that tend to generate organizational trust? A leader must be open to all staff. Constant communication is key to maintaining trust in an organization. It is vitally important to be willing to say “I made a mistake” when the conditions warrant it. People appreciate humility. What would you like your legacy as a leader in public service to be? I listened, I made decisions, and I owned them.
Thank you Commissioner Templeton!
“Constant communication is key to maintaining trust in an organization.” Commissioner Jai Templeton Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 3
From the Desk of the Chief Learning Officer A Sound Investment: Employee Engagement
by Dr. Trish Holliday, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Assistant Commissioner and Chief Learning Officer TGMI 2008, TGEI 2010, LEAD Tennessee 2010 It seems that the hot topic in the workforce these The solution to employee engagement is complex days is employee engagement. Maybe it has been a and no one strategy will keep all employees engaged, hot topic for some time, but recently measuring but one thing seems clear – employees want the engagement and showing the results have caused organization to invest in their development. People quite a stir among organizational leaders. And well it want to work with an organization where learning should. The numbers indicating those employees and development are not just things they can do, but who are engaged at work consistently hover around where such opportunities are part of the very culture, the 30% mark. That means approximately 70% are the fabric, of the organization. In Drive, Daniel Pink not engaged at work, and that is the disturbing wrote that employees are motivated by three statistic causing a lot of leaders to take notice. elements: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Each of these can lead to greater engagement, and it is the At the Association for Talent Development conference second element – mastery – that learning and held in Nashville this year, employee engagement development plays a critical role. People want to be made the agenda. One session was titled good at what they do, and to get there leaders need “Accelerating Employee Performance,” by Tabetha to create an environment where employees are able Taylor (Elite Team Dynamics). She presented the to get good at what they do. It isn’t just offering following statistics: workshops and classes, but enabling learning to 87% of all Millennials rate leadership happen all the time through a variety of ways. development as important 70% of Millennials say that the feedback Perhaps the most important thing leaders can do to they receive from their managers is not create an engaging learning environment is to first meaningful set the example. Leaders who continually seek ways to grow and develop are most likely to want others to 1 in 3 workers will change jobs in the next do the same, and will be more diligent in providing six months such opportunities. Engaging employees will become Conclusion – the majority of Millennials are increasingly important as organizations compete for highly disengaged. top talent. Investing in development opportunities is With Millennials making up the majority of the a proven strategy to recruit, retain, and engage that workforce in the very near future, acquiring their talent. It is, so to speak, a sound investment. talent and keeping it by engaging them at work “We’re Better Together” becomes a serious concern for state government. At the same time, keeping the other generations in the workforce engaged can never be neglected because Gen Xers and Baby Boomers hold a lot of experience and institutional knowledge that must be passed on before they leave the workplace.
“Leaders who continually seek ways to grow and develop are most likely to want others to do the same, and will be more diligent in providing such opportunities.” Dr. Trish Holliday Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 4
by Melissa Wiseman TGMI 2013
The Accelerated Leadership Institute (ALI) was created Each new experience in this program reinforces that in 2015 by DOHR in partnership with the office of the State of Tennessee is forward thinking and has Customer Focused Government. ALI was designed the development of the employee population as a to prepare high-potential individuals for the critical top priority. role of leadership within state government. What have you learned that can be applied to The second cohort began their journey in February your work? 2017. Each cabinet agency’s Commissioner was There hasn’t been a summit yet where I haven’t invited to designate a high potential candidate to be a had a take-away that I have applied in some form. part The first two books we have studied so far seem of the ALI cohort along with the Governor’s tailored to help me improve my performance in Management Fellows. my current role as a manager. My department is currently in the middle of a lot of change, and the Participants engage in a rigorous program of study book Switch has been a perfect road map in that is based on recognized advanced leadership helping me to not only navigate the changes for competencies and focus on improving in the following myself, but also, for my staff. Our second book, areas: On Communication, coupled with the Strength Evaluating the ideas that will shape state Deployment Inventory (SDI) behavioral assessment, government tomorrow has opened my eyes to my strengths and areas Analyzing and producing innovative and where I can improve my communication skills. I imaginative solutions to real-world problems have made adjustments in how and when I Expanding their field of vision beyond a communicate depending on the situation. particular functional area or agency focus How has ALI helped you grow as a leader? within government. This experience is pushing me way out of my ALI provides participants with the critical capabilities comfort zone; I am actually starting to get to lead in an ever-changing state government comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is environment with an enterprise-wide scope. improving my self-confidence and providing me I recently caught up with Angela Gargaro, one of the with opportunities to look at situations from members of the current cohort, and asked her some different viewpoints. questions about the program. Is there anything else you would like to share What does it mean to you to be about ALI? a part of ALI? I am so thankful for this opportunity to learn from It is a great honor to be part of such talented leaders. I can’t emphasize enough ALI. It has become very clear that a what a difference this program is making in my great deal of thought and resources professional development. The material and have been invested in this leadership experiences provided in this program are so development program. I feel very relevant to success both personally and fortunate to have this opportunity professionally. It is a wonderful program that is to stretch and grow in such an administered by some amazing, talented people! encouraging environment. Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 5
Getting to Know Your Tennessee Government Leadership (TGL) Council Member by Lynette Porter TGEI 2012, LEAD Tennessee 2017
Alicia Cone Director of Grant Programs Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities LEAD Tennessee 2014
What’s a typical day or week for you like? intriguing fact through several trips with my dad to A typical week consists of nurturing existing and his place of work. I wanted to know how he got developing new relationships and partnerships to them to listen, because honestly at age 7, pretty improve the disability service system, assisting much none of my peers were listening to me. partner agencies (both community based and Here are four pieces of wisdom my dad shared state) as needed, conducting program evaluations, with me that shapes me to this day. researching new trends and practices, refining the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (CDD) 1) No matter what happens in your life, no one grant and contract management and program can take away the knowledge you have. evaluation processes, managing the implementation Knowledge is priceless, whether it comes from of the CDD five year State Plan, collecting and a degree (which he always encouraged me to analyzing data for our end of year Federal pursue my education to the highest level reporting, and spending time dreaming. I attended possible) or from remaining well informed in a seminar on innovation several years ago; the your field of work and other areas of interest. person conducting the seminar was the Executive While my dad never used the words “lifelong Director of “Hands on Nashville”. He discussed the learner,” I realize now he was a lifelong learner need to make time periodically for creative and and was encouraging me to be the same. innovative thinking. He discussed the value of creating a space in order to engage in thinking that 2) As a supervisor of people, my father explained is initially free of evaluation or judgement in order that he believed his job was to learn about his to see if new ideas and previously unseen employees. To observe, talk to, actively listen connections emerge. I try to make space for this to, and even challenge them in work type of thinking each week, especially since so assignments in order to learn what they were much of my work is based on the concrete, good at, what at work they were passionate rational, sequential, and quantitative processes. about, and what got them excited about coming into work each day. He believed that What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? everyone had a particular niche and strengths My father gave me lots of great advice! We would that if nurtured and developed would allow discuss managing people many nights as he tucked that person to shine at work and be the best me in to sleep when I was a child. I was fascinated member of the team they could possibly be. that people, other than me of course, did what my dad told them to do. I had discovered this 3) With regard to leadership, he taught me that a leader accepts the consequences of and takes Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 6
responsibility for her decisions. A leader shows One form this has taken is the development of the the same professionalism and attitude no Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability matter whether the results of her decision were Services (LAEDS). It was an idea that brought good or bad. When I asked why, he explained leadership training and development to state that the mission remains to be accomplished, employees whose work touches the lives of and who you are as a leader is not based on Tennesseans with disabilities. short term wins and losses, but long term Now, through the combined brilliance and impact on people, the organization, and the collective ideas of the members of the Leadership mission of the organization. Advisory Council for LAEDS, this Academy is 4) My dad believed that part of humility was growing far beyond the initial idea and evolving recognizing, publically, and often, the role others into a leadership experience that is far reaching played in his accomplishments, and encouraged and life-changing for state employees. me to do the same. To this day, I follow his While the people involved with this Academy, advice to recognize important people in my life whether they be the Leadership Advisory Council and career, and to lavishly give credit where members (made up of Commissioners and credit is due. Executives Directors) or the Academy participants, How can you pay your TGL experience forward? represent many different agencies with varying The fact that I have been identified as a leader still missions and services. They are united in surprises me. I had not clearly identified myself as developing state employees as leaders who a leader or maybe more accurately, I had a individually and collectively are committed to perception of leadership based more on positional improving disability services and support in leadership. You know, how can I be a leader if I Tennessee. have no subordinates to supervise? Using what I learned from participating in LEAD TN I had missed the point that leadership is not solely and on the TN Government Leadership Council about supervising people; it’s about influencing to help facilitate the initial development and people and situations. As often happens on any implementation of the LAEDS, is my way to pay it journey, those who started earlier must be willing forward to the great State of Tennessee and to the to extend a hand to those who have not started state employees who serve Tennesseans with their journey or who started a little later in order to disabilities and their families. share their experiences, knowledge and skills. What is something unique about you? I think that is how I have tried to pay my TGL I have been told I am the “cat whisperer,” and there experience forward, by sharing, in one form or seems to be, at least, anecdotal evidence. I could say another, my leadership experience with others. more, but I don’t want to give away trade secrets.
“Employee engagement is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organization and its goals.” Kevin Kruse, Employee Engagement 2.0 Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 7
Getting to Know Your Tennessee Government Leadership (TGL) Council Member by Lynette Porter TGEI 2012, LEAD Tennessee 2017
Barry Brawley Deputy Director – Field Operations TDEC Division of Remediation LEAD Tennessee 2012 & TDEC Green Leadership
What’s a typical day or week for you like? comfortable boundaries. State government has It’s all about service! As Deputy Director over our been undergoing transformational change and I feel statewide divisional field office operations, I view that we need strong leaders who aren’t intimidated my role as enabling the field office teams to do the or hindered by “growth pains.” best job they can do, making sure they have the tools to do it, and by providing support, guidance, How can you pay your TGL experience forward? and direction. I am also their liaison in the Central I strive to share the lessons and practices I have Office and serve to ensure that there is a healthy learned in the leadership training that I have been flow of communication. Leadership is about privileged to attend. As has been alluded to by other influence and I spend a lot of time working on inter Council members, I feel that it is imperative to use -personal relationships within my Division, in TDEC, this knowledge to develop future leaders, not only and with the customers we serve. by sharing our own knowledge with them but also by fully supporting them in their leadership Being a scientist by training, I like to ask questions and development journey. Attending LEAD TN, TDEC to solve problems. I firmly believe in understanding Green Leadership, and serving on the TGL Council the “why” of a decision or action and I endeavor to have been amazing experiences, resulting in great communicate that information to others. My job partnerships, collaborations, and my own personal duties delve daily in both technical work and growth. I encourage all aspiring leaders to step out administrative responsibilities. Since I oversee of their comfort zone and to pursue as many statewide operations, I travel to our field offices to leadership and growth opportunities as they are meet with our teams and to visit our project sites. No afforded. two days or weeks are same and I enjoy the challenge of working in a fluid, ever-changing, and sometimes What is something unique about you? unpredictable environment. I love tie-dye! There is a particular tie-dye artist that I have supported over the years through quite What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? a few purchases of her creations (mostly shirts). I During a discussion of the competencies when I was regularly get compliments or comments when I in LEAD TN, Commissioner Hunter said, “There’s no wear my tie-dye shirts out of town, even out of the growth in comfort and no comfort in growth.” At country. The artist and I have become friends and that time, I was feeling the uncomfortable “stretch” I call myself her “walking billboard.” She once took of leadership growth and these words helped me a picture of me and used me as a “model” on her understand that the most meaningful growth often Facebook page. occurs when you push yourself beyond your Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 8
Getting to Know Your Tennessee Government Leadership (TGL) Council Member by Lynette Porter TGEI 2012, LEAD Tennessee 2017
Julian Davis Director of Offender Administration Department of Correction LEAD Tennessee 2013
What’s a typical day or week for you like? situation. Lastly, helping others is what life and In Correction, no day is ever the same. My day state government are all about. We all work in a consists of planning and being a continuous position of service. You never know when you resource for my staff, coworkers, other law may need the help that the state provides to enforcement agencies, and other external its citizens. stakeholders, in addition to learning many new things along the way. On any given day, I can be How can you pay your TGL experience forward? contacted to discuss subjects such as criminal By sharing lessons and advice that I received from extradition, prison population management, leaders that I have been exposed to in my career records management, sentence management, with others that are typically off the radar and rehabilitation programs, department policy, behind the scenes that have the potential to grow constituent issues, state representative concerns, and do more with their career. I offer to share my and so on. leadership books with my supervisors, managers, and directors so they can see and understand the What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? same concepts that I have learned while being a Have a positive attitude, remain calm in stormy member of TGL. situations, and be a help to others. It serves no purpose to be negative or around people with What is something unique about you? negative attitudes. It is not only draining to the I would use the word “blessed” instead of spirit but slows down or prevents progression. “unique”. I have a 9mm bullet in my neck as a result of a crime several years ago. Things could So, stay away from crabs in a barrel. In my office, have easily gone in another direction. So, I enjoy I have a Chicken Little bobble head to remind each day of my life. I typically don’t get stressed or people that the sky is not falling and don’t panic in worried about anything. And for the record, I have a crisis. You must remain calm and focused if you set off a metal detector before. want to get through a problem or critical Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 9
Learning Opportunities for TGL Alumni
by Dr. Ernie Ricketts LEAD Tennessee 2011, TGEI 2014
The Tennessee Government Leadership Council exists In addition, a similar certificate program is offered by to explore opportunities for alumni of leadership TSU for those who have not earned an undergraduate programs sponsored by the Department of Human degree. The six courses taken for the Certificate in Civic Resources. In partnership with Tennessee State Leadership may be applied for 18 hours towards their University (TSU) and Middle Tennessee State University Bachelors of Science degree in Urban Studies. Those (MTSU), the Council is pleased to announce an exciting wishing to pursue the undergraduate degree will have way you may continue developing as a leader. their work experience assessed to obtain credit hours toward the degree. MTSU offers an adult-learner focused program for those who have never earned an undergraduate For those who have earned a Master’s degree, TSU is degree, attended college but never completed a opening up a cohort to work towards the Ph.D. in degree, or have completed an undergraduate degree. Public Administration. This program offers coursework The program consists of four modules: Leadership scheduled around the basic work day. The cohort Theory, Leading Teams, Communication/Problem would “travel” through the program together, taking all Solving, and Leading People/Managing Change. Upon the necessary coursework required for the degree. The completion of the modules, one receives a certificate Ph.D. is a research-oriented program, and is in professional development, which then can be intensive. However, earning the Ph.D. certainly applied to either a B.S. in Liberal Studies, or the provides one with the knowledge and skills of public Master of Professional Studies. In addition, for those administration for those who wish to advance their who earn the certificate, and decide to pursue a career, or become more informed of how public degree, MTSU will assess each candidate’s level of entities work. learning gained outside the college environment. Known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), credit Both MTSU and TSU accept the state tuition waver for may be earned towards the undergraduate degree. state employees. The courses are online, easily fitting into one’s work schedule. These are excellent TSU has partnered with the state to offer a certificate opportunities to continue developing as a leader in in executive leadership. This program consists of six state government. courses at the master’s level, all taken in an online format. Upon completion of the certificate program, For more information on the programs, please credit may be applied to the Master in Public contact Dr. Ernie Ricketts at [email protected]. Administration or the Master in Professional Studies.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 10
TGL Remote Book Club by Marilyn Barbee, MS Human Services Mission Possible Leadership Academy
The remote book club is a comprehensive learning This is an opportunity for like-minded people to share tool for me to personally engage and grow my their views. Many of these people I have never met; leadership skills by applying the concepts from the however, I’ve learned more about myself and shaped book, 3 Things Successful People Do by John Maxwell. In several opinions about others. This is just another addition, this is an excellent method to “develop a way to make new friends and stimulate the mind. As platform” for communicating with others. Maxwell states, “Develop your potential and desire positive change.” I’m looking forward to reading the During the sessions, I am able to reflect on a new next book. meaning of ideas, challenges, and issues leaders face. Although we have different experiences, it is good to The remote book club is currently making plans for book hear what others say about the same situations from study two. If you are interested in joining them, please more than one angle. Everyone is nice. The time contact Nancy Patterson at [email protected] by allotted for discussion is good, and most of all, there July 14, 2017. is no traveling. Remote Book Club This is a way for me to incorporate thoughts and ideas into the mission of the work we do. Maxwell said, “Learning leads to action, improve yourself and apply what you learn.” Therefore, I am able to develop my critical thinking skills with a group that brings a variety of opinions.
CLO’s Top Reading List for the Summer
A Passion For Leadership by Robert M. Gates
Bigger Faster Leadership by Samuel R. Chand
Built For Growth by Chris Kuenne & John Danner
Detour by Steve Gilliland
Innovate by Dr. Sybril Brown
No Limits by John C. Maxwell
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg
Super Bosses by Sydney Finkelstein
The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 11
Book Review: Drive by Lauran Strum TDEC Green Leadership Academy 2017
I am currently in my first TN Government Leadership doing commissioned work, lacking the challenge and class (TDEC’s Green Leadership Academy), and my “pure joy” of creating a piece undefined by anyone participation in that class qualified me to join the TGL else. Studies on scientific discovery likewise show that Book Club in January. Before receiving the invitation in scientists have much greater success when they have my inbox, I honestly didn’t even know the book club the autonomy to develop unique, challenging existed. But that didn’t deter me from signing up within research, free of the strict constraints of grant a few minutes of reading the email. I love to read and, funding protocols. These and other studies in the as a relatively new state employee (I hit the two-year book reinforce the notion that creativity thrives with milestone in May), I liked the idea of meeting new self-direction, not monetary rewards. colleagues and getting different perspectives on These findings fly in the face of the “carrots-and-stick” leadership through interactive discussions every other way most organizations run – they show that external month. We’re now on our third book, and I’m happy to rewards like bonuses, pay-for-performance plans, and say that I have enjoyed every aspect of the book club. prize systems may actually hamper motivation and The books and conversations have been insightful, and creativity. Not that carrots and sticks are all bad; Pink I have really appreciated the opportunity to deliberate says they may work well for routine tasks such as on the theories in each new selection. envelope stuffing and time entry. But for non-routine, Our last book, Daniel Pink’s Drive, innovative tasks, organizations need to focus on prompted a lot of reflection for me. intrinsic motivation to get their employees’ best work. Pink’s book focuses on decades- That motivation has three components: autonomy, long research indicating that our mastery, and purpose. Autonomy includes the best work stems from internal, freedom to define the task, allocate the time needed rather than external, motivators. In for it, decide how to implement it, and choose other words, individuals are teammates to assist. Mastery relates to the idea of generally more motivated by tasks “flow” – the optimal experience where someone gets that have an intrinsic value, like a “lost” focusing on a project that is neither too difficult sense of purpose, than by tasks that offer an external nor too easy but which stretches his or her abilities. reward, like a bonus or commission. In fact, the To encourage greater mastery, organizations need to research shows that in some cases, external rewards provide growth opportunities and reinforce the idea can actually have a demotivating effect; in one of the that intelligence, abilities, and skills are malleable, not studies Pink mentions, a group of volunteers, paid finite. Finally, purpose provides the multiplier for the one day for the number of different puzzles they other two components: self-directed masters achieve could solve, spent significantly less time working on much more when they are working toward a greater puzzles the next day after they were told that they good. To emphasize purpose in the workplace, Pink would not be paid at all, no matter how successful recommends that organizations regularly ask “Why?” they were at puzzle-solving. The upshot: removal of Just asking “why are we doing this?” can help people the external reward caused motivation to plummet. understand the greater meaning behind tasks that Another study evaluated the creativity and technical may seem merely procedural and garner better work skill in professional artwork, ten commissioned works in the long-run. and ten noncommissioned works. The judges (other While this book doesn’t include any of the author’s artists and curators) rated the two groups of works own research, I found the summaries of past studies similarly in terms of technical skill, but found the pretty thought-provoking. Drive provides a good noncommissioned works significantly more creative reminder that we all need to understand what than the commissioned works. One of the motivates us (and our team) and strive to find and interviewed artists admitted to feeling confined when cultivate those motivators in our work environment. Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 12
April TGL Lunch and Learn Assistant Treasurer Joy Harris by Mitzi Martin TGMI 2011 The speaker for our April 2014. It is a combination of a defined benefit plan TGL Lunch and Learn was (TCRS) and a deferred compensation plan. It is a Joy Harris, who is the contributory plan with a 5 year vesting period in TCRS Assistant Treasurer for and immediate vesting in the 401(k). Service the Financial Empowerment retirement requires members to be age 65 or meet program. Joy spoke about the rule of 90 (service credit + age = 90). RetireReadyTN which is the The Deferred Compensation plan can be either a state’s financial wellness 401(k) or 457(b). A deferred compensation plan can initiative to assist state help employees voluntarily set aside income before employees, teachers, higher paying current taxes. It is a tax advantaged savings education employees and plan that allows participants to save and invest money local government entities that elect to participate, for retirement purposes. The employee chooses plan and save for a successful retirement in a investments and bears the risk of investment losses. comprehensive way. Joy discussed that the state’s Contributions may be eligible for withdrawals or loans retirement program consists of both a defined benefit but you may be subject to early withdrawal penalties. pension plan–the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) and a defined contribution plan–the Tennessee Deferred Compensation Plans (401(k), 401(k) Roth and the 457(b) plans) which are administrated by Empower Financial Services. TCRS is a defined benefit plan that provides a lifetime benefit at retirement once eligibility has been met. Benefits are calculated with a set formula, and contributions are not available for loans or withdrawals until termination of employment. With a defined benefit plan, the employer bears the risk of investment loss. The state has 2 TCRS plans: closed and hybrid. The distribution options are lump sum, periodic The closed plan is for all state and higher education payments, partial lump sum with remainder as employees and K-12 teachers hired before July 1, periodic payment, and rollover to another plan or to 2014. It is a non-contributory plan that requires a 5 an IRA. year vesting period. Service retirement requires members to be age 60 and vested or have 30 years of Sources of information to be retirement ready are: service regardless of age. RetireReadyTN.gov Customer Service Call Center 800-922-7772 The hybrid plan is for all state and higher education 8 am-7 pm CST employees and K-12 teachers hired on or after July 1, Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 13
April TGL Lunch and Learn Assistant Treasurer Joy Harris continued...
RetireReadyTN Group Presentations What can you do to be prepared? Comprehensive Retirement Planning and Take advantage of the retirement programs Retirement Counseling available to you Retirement Planning includes both TCRS and Remember the State of Tennessee has a $50 Deferred Compensation components, focuses employer match to your 401(k) on planning and goal setting and is available Invest for the long term throughout your career Be aware of being too cautious Retirement Counseling includes reviewing Use the Resources available to you by your your benefit estimate from TCRS and account employer to plan and reach financial milestones balance in 401(k)/457(b), discussing social Review your investments as you plan and/or security options, and is available for members change your long-term goals 3-5 years from retirement
“Exemplary leaders know that if they want to gain commitment and achieve the highest standards, they must be models of the behavior they expect of others.”
James M. Kouzes, The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 14
May TGL Lunch and Learn Dean William C. Koch, Nashville School of Law by Kristin Martin, TGEI 2014, HR Master 2016 Barely a seat could be found in the May 10th, 2017 early swearing in of Governor Lamar Alexander. Tennessee Government Leadership (TGL) “Lunch and 1. Inmate/Sisk raids: Raids on Governor Blanton’s Learn” held in the multi-media room in the TN Tower. attorney, Eddie Sisk, and his paperwork which Dean William C. Koch, Jr. was the esteemed speaker showed illegal activity. for the hour. The anticipation of his stories to come 2. Firing of Marie Ragghianti: Marie was led to a palatable excitement which overtook the appointed as the Chair of the Parole Board audience. with the thought she would follow the Governor’s direction in paroling certain William Koch is currently the Dean of the Nashville inmates. When Marie acted in her own accord, School of Law. Previous to this appointment, he she was unjustly terminated. She eventually enjoyed a 46-year career with the State of Tennessee. won her job back with the help of her During this tenure, he served as a Justice of the attorney, Fred Thompson. Tennessee Supreme Court, a Judge of the Tennessee 3. Sale of liquor licenses: When sales of liquor Court of Appeals, Counsel to Tennessee Governor licenses were opened to establishments Lamar Alexander, Commissioner of Personnel and the outside of urban areas, new liquor licenses Deputy Attorney General of the State of Tennessee. were issued to friends of Governor Blanton. This long and esteemed career was built on the 4. Pardon of Roger Humphreys: Humphreys was educational shoulders of a J.D. degree from divorced and murdered his ex-wife and her Vanderbilt University, a LL.M. in Judicial Process from new boyfriend. He was found guilty of 1st the University Of Virginia School Of Law and an degree murder and sentenced to 60 years in undergraduate degree from Trinity College in state prison. As an affiliate of Governor Hartford, Connecticut. Blanton, Humphries was made a trustee With the speaker’s scholastic background and vast within one month of incarceration and was professional experience, the crowd knew they would given the freedom to travel the state as the learn a little something. Dean Koch schooled the official photographer. Blanton planned to crowd on the Rule of Law by discussing that authority eventually pardon him. must work within laws with no personal agendas, 5. Clemency for Cash: Conversations were citizens must respect and abide by the rules and recorded that discussed bribes to pardon rulings and the law treats everyone the same and inmates and release them from prison. with equal access. He also discussed the attorney’s code or rule of conduct, that they must obey the law, have a personal conscience and be moral and ethical when giving advice. Dean Koch’s enlightening lesson laid the perfect groundwork for his exciting tale of scandal and corruption. The Dean took us back to the five scandals of Governor Ray Blanton, which ultimately led to the Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 15
Lunch and Learn Dean William C. Koch, Nashville School of Law continued...
This corrupt foundation paved the way for an he was told he was no longer the Governor. His unprecedented and never again seen act. Governor scandal and clemency reign ended that night. Blanton was under intense scrutiny during his last Books have been written and movies have been days of office. Besides the previous scandals, he was made about this unique situation. However, Dean approving an assembly line of clemency pardons and William C. Koch Jr. was a part of the real action in his releasing inmates during his last days in office. position with the state at that eventful time. Dean Leaked information supported the idea that this Koch’s legacy and accomplishments continued assembly line would continue and it was clear that it beyond this event. He has received appointments as had to be stopped. Supporting documentation was adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University School of produced at an earlier time when the question was Law and Belmont University College of Law. He is posed, “Could a Governor be sworn in early?” The currently the Vice President of the America Inns of Attorney General opinion was issued and declared Court, the President of the Harry Phillips American that yes, it could happen. In the midst of the Blanton Inns of Court, the Chair of the Tennessee Supreme turmoil, this opinion was brought into the light and Court’s Indigent Representation Task Force and a would stop any further pardons by Governor Blanton. member of the Trial Court Vacancy Commission. The With the opinion as backing, an action plan took a TGL group was fortunate to be educated and swift pace. The proper authorities and politicians entertained by such a revered guest. came together to swear in Governor Elect Lamar Alexander, days prior to his scheduled inauguration. Once it was all over, Governor Blanton was called and
Engagement Committee (EC) Report by Patrice Steinhart TGEI 2012
At the TGL Council Retreat in January, the Engagement engagement by January 2018. Committee was charged with increasing TGL Alumni Additionally, this committee will expand and enhance participation with continuous learning/development current TGL Alumni activities – Lunch and Learns, TGL opportunities across the state. Book Club and TGL Toastmasters, to include alumni The Engagement Committee is collaborating with the outside of the downtown Nashville area. The monthly TGEI, TGMI, and LEAD TN Steering Committees Lunch and Learns are now available via WebEx. Learning sub-committee to develop and deploy an Additionally, CPAs and CGFMs can earn one (1) hour “Engagement Survey” and analyze the results by fall of CPE. In May, the Lunch and Learn also offered CLE 2017. A Strategic Plan will be developed to increase to our state attorneys.
Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 17
Systems Thinking (ST) Committee Report by Julian Davis LEAD Tennessee 2013
The Systems Thinking Committee has been meeting renowned speakers this year that will not only entice to focus on the Leadership Conference On December you but expand your leadership capacity to another 6, 2017 at Trevecca Nazarene University. We believe level. We are enthusiastic and excited in working it will be one of the best conferences sponsored by together to ensure that we provide the best the state. We have an amazing group of world leadership conference possible.
Forward Focus Committee (FFC) Report by Bucky Rosenbaum HR Master 2016
At the January TGL Council Retreat, the Forward In addition to the above new initiatives, the FFC Focus Committee was tasked with developing is continuing to support and promote our new and introducing three new tools for the TGL online networking site on LinkedIn™. Introduced community. Here is a brief description of each: last year, the site is available to all TGL alumni who are members of the LinkedIn™ community. TGL Master Calendar – to develop and maintain a central calendar for all TGL- To find us on LinkedIn™, just enter “Tennessee related leadership activities and events to Government Leadership Alumni” in the search be posted online on the TGL Team box at the top. There you will find a growing website and available for 24/7 access. number of articles and other tools for staying connected with fellow TGL alums across the TGL Speakers Bureau – to improve the state. Our plan is for this networking site to visibility of TGL by offering alumni the become a central repository for TGL-related opportunity to speak publicly to both news, stories, tips, articles of interest, job internal and external audiences on topics opportunities, and more. Check it out. Better yet, of mutual interest. Policies and processes come join us! are to be developed in partnership with the TGL Toastmasters club. TGL Space and Technology Taskforce – to recruit a representative group of TGL alumni from across the state to work with DGS and STS leadership in identifying available systems, technology, and venues in state-owned spaces in order to facilitate wider participation at TGL-sponsored events outside of Nashville. Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 18
TGL Toastmasters by April Romero TGMI 2008
Have you considered joining TGL Toastmasters solution. Annual office terms run from July 1 through recently, but have not yet visited? Well, now might be June 30. If you are interested, please come visit a club the time. Every club needs leaders who can work with meeting. We meet every Friday during lunch from and motivate others to move the club forward. Club 11:30 – 12:30 in the William R. Snodgrass, TN Tower elections will be taking place very soon and if you are Conference Center on the third floor in room 253N. interested in providing your leadership in a new way Contact April Romero for more details at that can pay you back, being a club officer is just the [email protected].
Leadership Corner
If you have any news to share about your own personal graduation, promotion, certifications or awards please submit that information to [email protected] with photos and we will publish in future newsletters.
Tennessee Printing Success Highlighted at National Conference by David H. Roberson Director of Communications, General Services
Tennessee’s success in transforming the way we Distribution for the Department of General Services, manage our printing operation was highlighted this focused on how incorporating new technology and month at a national conference held in Washington, DC. best practices in Tennessee’s printing operation is improving service and lowering cost for state agencies. The conference was sponsored by In-plant Graphics, the nation’s leading resource for in-plant printers (the industry term for printing and publishing operations operated within a business or organization). The conference, focused on the need for innovation by in-plant printers, highlighted ways that in-house printing operations can capitalize on technology and creative thinking to boost business and serve customers more effectively. A presentation by Tammy Golden, Assistant Commissioner of Communication, Publishing and Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 19
Leadership Corner If you have any news to share about your own personal graduation, promotion, certifications or awards please submit that information to [email protected] with photos and we will publish in future newsletters.
Rodney Escobar Leads Nation in Public Risk Management by Marcus Dodson TGMI 2014, LEAD Tennessee 2016
Rodney Escobar (LEAD Alliance 5, 2014) was awarded additional taxpayer dollars. the Public Risk Management Association’s (PRIMA) 2017 Public Risk Manager of the Year Award. PRIMA represents all public sector risk managers and is the largest public association in the country, with more Rodney serves as the Director of the Division of Claims than 2,000 members in over 1,800 jurisdictions. and Risk Management. His area includes programs that are managed by the Tennessee Treasury Department. Rodney serves as the Secretary of the Tennessee Board of Claims, serves on the Tennessee Emergency Rodney and his team are responsible for identifying the Management Agency Committee and the State Cyber State’s exposure to property and casualty risk and Committee. He was named Risk Manager of the Year as determining control methods to protect the state. The a member of the Tennessee PRIMA Chapter. state’s workers compensation, tort liability, risk management and loss prevention, and property and A video is available on youtube.com detailing more on Rodney’s accomplishments and the PRIMA award: insurance programs for forty-one (41) state https://youtu.be/GU5oxtR4hzE government agencies. Forty-nine (49) institutions of higher learning are managed by Rodney’s department.
Rodney received the award on June 5, 2017 at the PRIMA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, for his division’s work in loss prevention measures. Rodney’s work includes a risk assessment that re-allocated resources to reduce the state workers’ compensation programs’ to which the total incurred costs from $17.8 million during the 2012 Fiscal Year to $11 million in 2017. This effort led to a 38-percent savings for the State.
Rodney developed a statewide return-to-work program which began in 2014 with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). The program has been implemented across the state and has led to saving Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 20
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events
November 30th TGMI Holiday Meeting - Second Harvest 8:00 am to 10:00 am December 6th TGL Annual Leadership Conference - Trevecca Nazarene University 8:00 am - 4:30 pm December 14, 2017 TGEI Holiday Breakfast - Location TBD
Leadership Calendar July 2017 Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 21
Leadership Calendar August 2017
“Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better.” Bill Bradley Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 22
Leadership Calendar September 2017
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” Harvey S. Firestone Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 23
Leadership Calendar October 2017
Leadership Calendar November 2017 Tennessee Government Leadership Link Page 24
Tennessee Government Leadership Council Members
Council Chief Executive Sponsor Commissioner Rebecca Hunter, CPA, SPHR Department of Human Resources Council Executive Sponsor Dr. Trish Holliday, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Assistant Commissioner and Chief Learning Officer Department of Human Resources Council Liaison Dr. Ernie Ricketts, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Talent Management Administrator Department of Human Resources
David Adams – LEAD Tennessee Melinda Kelsey - TGEI Steering Committee Chair Department of Human Resources Department of Labor and Workforce Development Melissa Boaz – LEAD Tennessee, TGMI Dr. Kelly Lancaster – LEAD Tennessee , HR Master Comptroller of the Treasury Department of Finance & Administration Barry Brawley – LEAD Tennessee Mike Lenart - TGMI Department of Environment & Conservation TN Wildlife Resources Agency Susan Burdette – LEAD Tennessee, TGMI Casey Mahoney – LEAD Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration Department of Environment & Conservation Dr. Alicia Cone – LEAD Tennessee Terry Malone – LEAD Tennessee, TGMI Council on Developmental Disabilities Tennessee Housing Development Agency Julian Davis – LEAD Tennessee Sheila Marchman – LEAD Tennessee, TGEI, TGMI Department of Correction Department of Human Resources Shawn DeHaven - LEAD Tennessee Ann McGauran - TGEI Steering Committee Chair Department of Treasury Department of Treasury CJ McMorran – LEAD Tennessee, TGEI Marcus Dodson – LEAD Tennessee, Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities TGMI Steering Committee Chair Julie M. Perrey – LEAD Tennessee, TGEI, TGMI Department of Treasury TRICOR Fred Gaston - LEAD Tennessee, TGEI, HR Master Lynette Porter – TGEI Department of Labor and Workforce Development Council on Developmental Disabilities Tammy Golden – LEAD Tennessee, TGEI April Romero – TGMI Department of General Services Department of Finance & Administration Shannon Hall – LEAD Tennessee Benny Romero – TGEI Department of Safety & Homeland Security Department of Environment & Conservation Michelle Hamblin– TGMI Holly B. Smith – LEAD Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Department of Correction Steve Hawkins - TGMI Michelle Smith – TGMI , TGEI Department of Labor and Workforce Development Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Lauren Hill –TGMI, TGEI Heather Stanford - LEAD Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Department of Transportation Phyllis Hodges - LEAD Tennessee, TGMI Patrice Steinhart – TGEI Department of Education Department of Finance & Administration Anthony Hogan - TGMI Andrea L. Wilson – LEAD Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Richard Kennedy – LEAD Tennessee, TGEI, TGMI Melissa Wiseman – TGMI Commission on Children & Youth Department of Finance & Administration
Tennessee Department of Human Resources Prin ng Authoriza on Number 319586, 500 copies. This public document was promulgated at a total cost of $0.67 per copy, October 2016.